Annual art show, raffle a beloved tradition
WHAT: Willows Lions’ Club Art Show and Sale.
WHEN: 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 16.
WHERE: Kronberg’s studio, 6244 County Road 53.
WHY: Proceeds go toward college scholarships for area high schools.
INFORMATION: Call Kronberg at 934-4072 or LaVonne Hinton at 934-7640.
Glenn County artist Vic Kronberg has the heart of a lion.
The former Willows art teacher and longtime member of the Willows Lions Club will open his studio for an event that has become a beloved holiday tradition.
Kronberg's annual art show and sale is in conjunction with the Lions Club's annual raffle of one of Kronberg's water colors, which is the club's primary fundraiser to provide area seniors with college scholarships.
"We've been doing this for about 25 years, but it's hard to say for certain when it started," laughed Kronberg. "The time flies by so fast, one year just blends into another."
At 90, Kronberg's watercolors are as popular as ever.
He shows his work throughout the year at different venues and will be the featured artist at the Colusa County Arts Council gallery through February.
In December, however, his heart is set on raising money for kids to get an education.
"We give two scholarships to Willows High School seniors, and one each to Elk Creek and Princeton," Kronberg said.
Each year, Kronberg donates one painting for the raffle and another for a door prize at the annual show and sale, which includes a free buffet for all those who attend.
The Lions Club has raised thousands of dollars from the raffle over the years, and members begin selling tickets for the painting weeks in advance.
"The community has always been very supportive," said Kronberg, who was at the holiday craft fair on Saturday.
On Monday, he and fellow Lions Club members Joe and Lavonne Hinton were at the Willows Post Office.
Nearly 200 of Kronberg's painting adorn the walls of the home he shares with his wife, June, who is also a member of the Willows Lions Club.
Kronberg has painted for decades on subjects ranging from landscapes and wildlife to fictional, old snow-covered barns and antique tractors.
He welcomes the public to his home for the show and raffle, which he said is the highlight of the year.
Those not lucky enough to win one of the two donated paintings will have the opportunity to purchase a Kronberg painting for 30 percent off the original price.
All of his paintings are on sale this season, he said.
Kronberg's studio is west of Willows off County Road F.
Follow the signs past Walmart.
